Chapter 96

Inside the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.

Nick Fury looked at Bai Xiaofei with a complicated expression and said in a deep voice, "Bai Xiaofei, what is your purpose for coming to us this time?!"

To be honest, Nick Fury did not want to see Bai Xiaofei. This person was too mysterious and incredibly powerful. Most importantly, he was completely beyond their control, making him extremely difficult to handle! Any high-ranking leader would dislike such a person!

At first, when Tony Stark called Nick Fury, Fury intended to refuse. However, he then thought that Bai Xiaofei's intelligence-gathering abilities were unparalleled. The nearly 70-year-old Captain America was found thanks to his guidance. Perhaps... talking to him might yield some very important intelligence.

Especially about Hydra!

After nearly four months of investigation, Nick Fury had uncovered a lot, but the information was too limited and not substantial. This only made Fury more confused and puzzled. The more confused he was, the more he realized the severity of the problem!

Despite the limited information, Nick Fury was certain that Hydra had not been eradicated. It was lurking among them, waiting for the right moment to show its fangs and dominate the world! Hydra's reputation and ambition were well-known, and it had to be exposed and completely eradicated! However, it was hidden too deeply, and even S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence capabilities were like those of a blind man, making no progress!

With no other choice, Nick Fury had to turn his attention to Bai Xiaofei.

Of course, considering Bai Xiaofei's bandit-like personality, he couldn't show his eagerness too obviously, or it would be like extending his neck for a beating! So, although Nick Fury desperately wanted to pry information about Hydra from Bai Xiaofei, he had to maintain a calm and composed demeanor.

Nick Fury knew Bai Xiaofei's character well, but he wasn't interested in what was going on in Bai Xiaofei's mind. His purpose for coming to S.H.I.E.L.D. was simple: he wanted Captain America's shield. Since Nick Fury had asked, Bai Xiaofei didn't want to waste time and got straight to the point.

"Have you found Captain America?"

"Yes! In fact, we have to thank you for the tip. Otherwise, who knows how long Captain America would have remained asleep!" Nick Fury said sincerely.

"There's no need to thank me. I only mentioned it because of the Cosmic Cube." Bai Xiaofei seemed indifferent and continued, "How is Captain America doing? When do you expect him to wake up?"

When Bai Xiaofei mentioned the Cosmic Cube, Nick Fury's brows furrowed, and his face turned grim. Being forced to use the Cosmic Cube to save Natasha was a humiliation for S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury. Just as Fury was feeling a bit better, Bai Xiaofei came to rub salt in the wound. It was a miracle that Fury didn't lose his temper on the spot.

Fortunately, Nick Fury was not an ordinary person. As the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., he had incredible mental fortitude and quickly recovered. He glared at Bai Xiaofei and said, "Captain America's physical condition is good, but when he will wake up is unclear. After all, he has been asleep for about 70 years. If he were a normal person, he would have died long ago!"

Pausing for a moment, Nick Fury's single eye fixed on Bai Xiaofei, and he said in a deep voice, "It seems... you are very concerned about Captain America?"

Bai Xiaofei laughed and said, "I wouldn't say 'concerned.' I heard that Captain America has a shield that is said to be indestructible! I'm just interested in it. I came here for the shield. Since Captain America is still asleep, I'm asking you. Can S.H.I.E.L.D. make a decision about the shield?"

"You want that shield?"

Nick Fury was somewhat surprised. To him, it was just a shield, albeit a very hard and special one, but still just a shield. He didn't expect Bai Xiaofei to be so interested in it, to the point of coming to S.H.I.E.L.D. to ask for it. Could it be... that the shield has some special secret?

"That's right! I wanted to ask Captain America directly, but since he's still asleep, I'm asking you. Can you make a decision?"

"That's... quite a dilemma for us!"

Nick Fury originally wanted to refuse outright. After all, it was Captain America's equipment, not S.H.I.E.L.D.'s, and they had no right to decide its ownership. But then he had a thought: "Bai Xiaofei seems very interested in Captain America's shield. Regardless of his motives, this is definitely an opportunity for me!"

So, his refusal turned into hesitation.

Nick Fury had decided to trade Captain America's shield with Bai Xiaofei. This was a rare chance to take the initiative and gain valuable intelligence from Bai Xiaofei!

Although this was somewhat dishonorable and unfair to Captain America, compared to the threat of Hydra, it was nothing.

When faced with two evils, Nick Fury was willing to sacrifice his integrity.

Besides, it was just a shield. Although it was very important to Captain America, it wasn't irreplaceable. They could always make a new one for him later. With S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technology, Captain America would never know the difference!

Nick Fury's plan seemed good, but he didn't know that Captain America's shield was truly unique.

Bai Xiaofei, being no good person, immediately picked up on the change in Nick Fury's tone and said with interest, "Nick Fury, we're both smart people. Let's not beat around the bush. I'm annoyed by it, and I have no interest in wasting time. Just tell me, how can I get the shield?"

"I have some questions. If you can help me resolve them..." Nick Fury smiled.

"About Hydra?" Bai Xiaofei interrupted.

"You really know!"

"Alright! I can tell you what I know about Hydra, but... I want to see the shield first!"

"No problem! I'll have it brought to you right away!"

...

An hour later.

Bai Xiaofei got Captain America's shield as he wished, and Nick Fury learned some important information about Hydra, such as Dr. Zola. S.H.I.E.L.D. would not be idle in the future.

Overall, the negotiation was quite successful, and both parties were satisfied.

Bai Xiaofei revealed some common knowledge about the plot, and in return, he received the Bug-level Captain America shield, a great deal! Nick Fury thought that by trading a shield, he had obtained invaluable, world-saving intelligence, a fantastic deal.

The only one who suffered was Captain America.

Still asleep, he was betrayed by Nick Fury. When Captain America wakes up and learns that his treasured shield, which had been with him for nearly 70 years, was sold to Bai Xiaofei, who knows what he will think?

That was Nick Fury's problem, and Bai Xiaofei didn't care.

However, feeling a bit guilty for taking Captain America's shield, Bai Xiaofei said to Nick Fury before leaving, "When Captain America wakes up, tell him that Bai Xiaofei owes him a favor. As long as it's not too much, I'll agree to any request he has!"

With that, he left, leaving Nick Fury with a glint in his eye.

...

Tony's villa.

Seeing Bai Xiaofei again, Tony couldn't help but complain. The guy had dared to run away from home! He started nagging at Bai Xiaofei, almost driving him crazy.

When Tony's voice finally ran out, Bai Xiaofei interjected, "Tony, I came to ask for your help. I've discovered an ancient ruin, and it's quite dangerous. I'm afraid the energy from the third-generation micro-arc reactor won't be enough, so I want you to build a larger one, as big as the one in the Stark Industries building!"

Tony was taken aback and asked, "The micro-arc reactor's energy is enough for you to use the suit and high-power weapons for half a day. You're still worried about the energy? If it's not enough, you can just carry more palladium plates. Why do you need a larger one? Besides, you can't even carry it!"

Bai Xiaofei opened his mouth, unsure how to explain. Should he tell Tony that he wasn't going to an ancient ruin but to a different time and space, where even multiple palladium plates wouldn't be enough, so he needed a super-powerful, high-capacity, and long-lasting large arc reactor?

Forget it!

Though they were good friends, they weren't close enough to share all secrets, especially those crucial to Bai Xiaofei's survival!

Unable to come up with a reason, Bai Xiaofei said, "Tony, just build it for me. I'll figure out the rest! The quality of the large arc reactor is crucial for Aries' combat ability and my safety. I hope you don't disappoint me!"

"Alright!"

Seeing Bai Xiaofei's serious expression, Tony put aside his carefree attitude and said solemnly, "I'll take care of the arc reactor. When are you leaving?"

"In three days!"

Bai Xiaofei paused and added, "If time is tight and the arc reactor can't be built, I can wait a few more days. The sooner, the better, or the ruin will close, and I'll be out of luck!"

Tony patted Bai Xiaofei's shoulder and said confidently, "Don't worry, I'm a genius! You'll see it in three days!"

Bai Xiaofei nodded and said, "I never doubt your abilities!"

Then he added, "Tony, since you have some free time, could you also optimize White Cas's system and program? Make it as intelligent as possible, at least as good as JARVIS!"

Tony's eyes twitched, and he said irritably, "Bai Xiaofei, what do you take me for, a servant?"

Bai Xiaofei said seriously, "No, just a laborer!"

Tony: "..."

...